Derby dates revealed as SPFL publishes 2025/26 Premiership fixture list

The Premiership fixture list for the 2025/26 season has been released, with top flight clubs learning who they will face on opening day and in the weeks to come.

Derby dates have been confirmed and fans are able to draw up their plans as the schedule up until the split has been finalised.

League champions Celtic begin their season with a home match against St Mirren on August 3, when the champions flag will be raised.

Rangers will play their first league match under new ownership, and under Russell Martin’s management, away at Motherwell at 5.30pm on August 2. Kilmarnock play Livingston in the first Premiership game fo the season at 3pm that day.

Newly promoted Falkirk start with a home game, taking on Dundee United on opening day, while Dundee are at home to Hibernian the following day.

Derek McInnes’ first Premiership match as Hearts manager is on Monday, August 4, when the Tynecastle side host Aberdeen.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: “The publication of the fixture list is a big day in the calendar for clubs and fans alike and 2025/26 promises to be yet another exciting and dramatic season across all four divisions of the SPFL.

“Season 2024/25 saw record attendances for the third year in a row, with more than 5.3 million supporters attending matches across all our competitions, again highlighting the massive interest in football in this country.

“This coming season will also see more matches shown live on TV than ever before and I would like to thank our title sponsor William Hill and our broadcast partners Sky Sports, Premier Sports, BBC Scotland and BBC ALBA for showcasing the very best of the SPFL. I wish all 42 clubs well for the season ahead and hope that the supporters enjoy their football in the coming months.”

The first Old Firm derby of the season takes place at Ibrox on August 31, with Celtic hosting their rivals on January 3. The teams meet for a third time at Ibrox on February 28.

Hibs host Hearts in the first Edinburgh derby of the season on October 4, with the teams meeting again at Easter Road on December 27. The third clash between the teams will be at Tynecastle on February 11.

Dundee United take on their city rivals at Dens Park on August 20. The teams then meet at Tannadice on January 3 and again at Dens on March 14.

The full fixture list can be found on the SPFL website.

There is no winter break in the Premiership again, with the expanded European competitions leaving no room in the calendar.

However, for the first time Scotland’s European representatives: Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dundee United, will be able to postpone a league match.

If they reach the play-off round of a UEFA competition, they will be permitted to postpone their matchday three Premiership fixture on the weekend of August 23.